Tebow Time has struck midnight in New York, but Tebowmania is still and alive and well beyond the NFL.

Tim Tebow just got released as a No. 3 quarterback, but that didn't keep him from being No. 1 on Forbes' list of most influential American athletes for 2013. The Denver Broncos starting sensation turned Jets benchwarmer benefited from his time in the big-market Big Apple last season to "influence" 29 percent or survey respondents. He also had an "awareness" score of 48.

According to the magazine, there was no denying Tebow's great reach beyond what he does (or doesn't do) on the field: "A unique set of QB strengths and weaknesses and an affinity for wearing his Christian faith on his sleeve combine to make Tebow a compelling public figure, even as an NFL backup."

Tebow beat out Olympic superstars Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt for the top honor. A more successful much longer-term New York athlete, the Yankees' Derek Jeter, came in fourth despite not playing because of an ankle injury.

The man who replaced Tebow in Denver, Peyton Manning, remained fifth at a strong 21 percent "influential" rate. Other NFL quarterbacks to make the cut were New Orleans' Drew Brees (21 percent) and Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers (19 percent). All those players finished ahead of NBA MVP LeBron James.

Before Tebow was revealed to lead Forbes' list, some hometown fans of his in Jacksonville, Fla., had set up a petition on the White House website pushing for the Jaguars to sign him, per Pro Football Talk. It was later pulled down, but it was a timely reminder of Tebow's influence -- that his biggest fans are willing to go all the way to the President to go to bat for him.